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Friday, December 23, 2011

Tomorrow is Hanuman Jayanthi and I thought it is appropriate that my next post should be on Hanuman and hence this post of the Chinnalapatti Hanuman temple.

Sri Viswarupa Anjali Varatha Anjaneyar temple is situated in the quaint little village of Chinnalapatti which is 15 Kms from the the town of Dindigul. The temple here is small, a pretty neat structure but the idol of Anjaneyar here is huge, about 16 feet in height made of Saligrama stone. One can view the idol right from the entrance of the temple. The Lord here stands with His hands folded and with his mace -'Gadha' resting on his legs. His eyes are like dark marbles which sparkle and gives a feeling as if he is looking at his devotees wherever they stand.

He is always adorned with beautiful costumes and priests here who do the alankara(decorations) need a special mention as it is not easy to decorate a huge idol. He appears magnifcient in his various alankaras made of butter, fruits, sweet jalebis, and vadas. Offering Vada mala, a garland made of vadas (a south Indian snack made of black gram ) numbering 108-1008 is very famous here . He is also bedecked with silk robes and jewellery like a king, known as Rajalankara. When He becomes Maruti he is adorned with green costume. These various alankaras are really a visual treat. The temple becomes a beehive of activity on Saturdays.

The most attractive thing here is photography is allowed even inside the sanctum.

This is considered to be one of the six abodes of Anajaneyar where chunks of the Sanjeevani hill fell during the great Ramayana war when the Anjayear returned with the Sanjeevani hill to revive the unconscious Lakshmana. There are about 5 more places considered equally holy , the others are at Suchindram, Namakkal, Nanganallur in Chennai , Deivaseyalpuram and Nugarveliya in Rampoda, Sri Lanka .

Chinnalapatti town is famous for handloom weaving and Chinnalapatii silk is a speciality of this place . Unfortunately this variety of silk is losing charm and is almost extinct now a days.

How to reach- Nearest rail station is at Dindigul Chinalapatti town is 15 Kms. from Dindigul. There are many buses plying from the town of Dindigul.

Lovely narration about this little known temple.The closeup photographs of Hanuman in different adornments are magnificent.I was unaware that this is one of the 6 significant abodes of Hanuman.Sad to note that Chinnalampatti saris are no longer having a market ! All efforts must be made to revive this traditional art/industry.Great post Chitra.

It is Unique that camera is allowed inside the inner sanctum ... Nice timely post..We have a hanuman temple next door and Hanumath Jayanthi will be celebrated with fervor that i am looking forward to..!

Budbudyanchi talayee temple , never heard of this temple till you mentioned it . Its located in Sanguem taluka . I have visited few places around this place like Usgalimal rock cravings , Kurdi Mahadev temple , Rivona Pandava Caves . Thanks for sharing . Hope to read more about this temple and bubbling water pond from your Travelogue . http://www.indiatravelite.com/goa/budbudyanchitali.htm

Hi ChitraWish you a very happy 2012...Please visit our temple website - Gallery page for Photos of Hanumath Jayanthi and other photos. It is a pity that I missed the Hanumath Jayanthi celebrations. http://www.chitlapakkam-asthigasamajam.com/

Wow! The bright color of his jacket is so fun. You really do justice to these beautiful places that you share. I think you may be the best ambassador out there for the extent and variety of landmarks in your country. One day, I hope to see at least a few.

Happy 2012 and thank you for always being a great friend and supporter!:-)Traci